What is combined orthodontic and orthognathic treatment?

Generally, orthodontic and orthognathic combined treatment refers to the integration of orthodontic therapy with orthognathic surgery to correct jaw and facial deformities, improve facial appearance, and restore proper occlusion and function. A detailed analysis is as follows:

Orthodontic treatment primarily improves dental alignment and occlusion through tooth movement, whereas orthognathic treatment corrects jaw and facial deformities by repositioning and reshaping the jawbones. Combined orthodontic and orthognathic treatment allows for simultaneous tooth movement and jawbone correction, resulting in more stable and precise tooth positioning and thus achieving superior corrective outcomes. This combined approach is suitable for patients with skeletal jaw deformities, severe malocclusions, significant craniofacial abnormalities, or those for whom orthodontic treatment alone cannot achieve satisfactory results. The specific treatment plan must be individually tailored and typically requires collaboration between an orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The treatment process may be more complex and time-consuming than orthodontic treatment alone, necessitating thorough diagnosis, meticulous treatment planning, and active patient cooperation along with patience during the period required for achieving the desired outcome.

In summary, orthodontic and orthognathic combined treatment is an effective method for addressing jaw and facial deformities and occlusal problems. However, it requires close collaboration between patient and clinicians, individualized treatment planning, and careful execution of both treatment procedures and postoperative care.